The Illusion of Democracy

During the build up the GE2015, an ex-Singaporean I knew online after I started blogging sent me messages on daily basis on Facebook, mock cheering for the PAP. He knew something that many Singaporeans did not.

That chap emigrated to New Zealand as an NZ PR a few years before I left Singapore myself but he flew back to Singapore to vote in GE2011. His friend lauded and saluted his effort. After all, it was an 11 hour flight he had to take just to vote. The air ticket itself would be a four figure sum, since it would not be possible to predict the GE date in advance and book tickets earlier on a discount. Still, he did it.

I was in still in Singapore then. I headed to a voting booth in a sunny morning, close my eyes for a second and whispered, "That's my last hope then." Like the Singaporean chap who flew 11 hours to drop a vote, we knew the hard truth - that was the last chance for Singaporeans.

Now, many would scorn at that idea. It seems that every time the PAP wins big, someone from the minority will cry doomsday and declare that Singaporeans have fluffed their last chance. GE2011 was different from the rest. What made it so crucial was that Singapore was at a unprecedented juncture where we had to decide how the country should move forward. In other words, our new vision for the next 50 years. The PAP's strategy, economic growth by population growth, did not resonate well with me at all but I would leave my reservations on that out for this post today because that wasn't what I wanted to talk about. What bothered me was not just the effects of an unfavourable (or unpopular, as they like to call it) master plan to a citizen like me but it also spell the end of democracy in Singapore.

The results of GE2015 have shocked many Singaporeans but not for the likes of the me and the Kiwi chap, who renounced his Singaporean citizenship after the results of GE2011 left him despondent. (while I'm still holding on to mine) While many Singaporeans celebrated a GRC falling into opposition hands for the first time in history, there were people like me who knew that it wasn't enough and that we fluffed the last chance. From there, the government would be able to convert legions to New Citizens, who will undoubtedly vote in their favour out of gratitude (I'll explain why in my next post).

There was a lot of talk about the government planning to convert 15,000 to 25,000 New Citizens a year the few days following the GE2015's results. The funny thing is, this was already discussed before GE2011 and even published in the newspaper that Singaporean trusted [link] in 2013. Why then, did this come as a surprise revelation after GE2015? Perhaps some Singaporeans finally understand the impact of this. By 2020, the New Citizens we take in since 2011, at the way things are going at the moment at least, would be around 150,000 to 250,000.

Say we take 200,000 as a mean value. That figure represents:

8% of the electorate in 2015

100% of overseas Singaporeans (200,000 in 2012)

700% of the biggest turnout of Worker's Party's rally ever

That will put things in perspectives for some who have not realise this by now. With the PAP already holding on to an incredible array of tools, such as the GRC, MSM, PA and the indoctrination of the young etc. to win any GE, the New Citizens will ensure PAP's invincibility for the next 30 years, what is left is a mere illusion of democracy devoid of justice.

Singaporean always succumb to Papies propaganda that SG can't survive with them. There will be economic chaos. Opposition will stuff it up in big time. However, little do they realise how we have been short change in term of the health care system and educations perks which they give to foreigner. We have been program to pay from the day we were born to the day we die. We are but a digits to Papies. This election goes to show that the SG acknowledge Papies are going in the right direction. It does reinforce my desire to give up my citizenship.

"I left the door unlocked so that you can come in because I love you so much."

- Albany, 21/11/2016

Emails 2017

Hi Nix,

I came across your interesting blog and wish to ask on your honest opinion.

Do you think it's a good idea to pay 6 months worth of house rental in advanced to secure a place to stay before we go over. Our situation makes it a little difficult to look for one in Darwin with 2 dogs that we couldn't leave behind. And we don't have a job there yet. Oh, we have gotten a 489 visa. And we are intending to move somewhere in June with our 2 dogs and an almost 2 year old kid.

Appreciate your intake on this.

Thanks a lot!

Hi Elaine,

The housing market is currently quite depressed so it should not be difficult to find rental properties. I don't think it is a good idea to pay 6 months in advance at all. You shouldn't find it a problem to get one. If you face any difficulties, let me know the details and see if I can give you ideas.

Hi,

Saw your blog while searching on Singaporean based overseas and hopeful can meet a bunch of you all if i ever go over eventually.

For myself after looking at migrating or completing the process before i do not have enough points to qualify.

Basing on my current situation, it seems since my CV is leaning towards the marketing and financial field. Which in this case seems only Adelaide and Darwin is the only option for Subclass 190.

Do you know any fellow Singaporeans based in either place?

Anyway, for me is more towards wanting a more laid back life and changing the environment. Ideal situation would be to work another 10 years before settling with a small farm land in the country in Aussie. But my worry is whether i would be able to secure a job in Aussie especially with my advance in age 38?

Lastly, any good advice for a frog in the well on his migration journey to aussie?

Many thanks in advance

Regards

Stanley

Hi Stanley,

If you cannot qualify for skilled migration on points, you will not be able to work here, unless you find an employer who is willing to hire you for your skill set and apply for a work visa for you. It is unlikely in this economic climate but may be your only chance.

Dear NIx,

Good day!

I have been reading your blog and decided to migrate to Australia.

I have been researching on how to go about migrating to Australia and unfortunately, I seem to have hit a road block, thus writing this email to seek your advice on which type of visa should i apply.

I will be turning 36 next year. BE Chemical Engineering from UNSW (Stayed in Sydney for 2.5 years and graduated in 2008). Msc in Maritime Studies from NTU (Graduating in June 2017). Currently working as a Business Development Manager in the Shipping Industry. I have also attached my CV for your reference.

I am confident of getting 60 points in the Points Test BUT my current job is not on the SOL list.

My mother's cousin is a PR in Australia and she and her family are living in Perth (I do not know whether this information helps)

I was thinking of taking part time courses in ITE in Electrical Wiring, Residential Plumbing or Air Conditioning and Refrigeration since these jobs are on the SOL list.

Any advice will be really appreciated.

Regards,

Colin Soh

Dear Colin,

First thing first, I would like to know how you qualify for 60 points in the Points Test. Will you be able to provide a breakdown ?

*Please note that if your occupation is not on the SOL, you will not be able to claim points for work experience nor academic qualifications.

Hey buddy!

Was scrolling through and landed on your site. Loved the Art of Survival; plain, blunt yet simple.

I'm a local Sporean dude and just got my PR. Currently workin on contract job and planning to move down under. I realise getting a job in Oz from Spore isn't gonna be easy. Thought of giving it a try since its been just a month. Plan B is to just move and get an unpaid internship for 3 mths. Any advise?

Kind regards,

Hi dude,

To be honest, I don't have a single clue about unpaid internship or anything like that. If you manage to get one of those, I will appreciate if you can let us know the details so we can all learn from you.

I apologise for being painfully obvious but if you find it hard to find a job in Australia from Singapore, then come here and look!

Hello,

My name is Adam and I cam across your blog about migrating to Australia. I would love some advice or experience that you can share with me with regards to my questions.

First of all, I am a US bachelor grad in Mechanical Engineering and worked in the US for 2.5 years. I am a Chinese Malaysian and I'm 25 years old by March (2017). Do you have any ideas or suggestions on migrating to Australia? The subclass 189 doesn't allow me to accumulate enough points because of my work experience did not meet the requirement of 3 years which I was told that usually the Australia immigration officer pay the most attention to. If you disagree with that statement, I would like to hear your advice on that.

The other way I thought is by studying my Masters degree there and while studying, I could think of an idea to set up a business there. Didn't research much into this path but if you have experience with this path, I appreciate a lot if you are willing to share.

Thank you very much and hope to hear from you soon,

Regards,

Adam

Hi Adam,

It sounds really simple. Choose the path of least resistance. Work for 3 years to gain your 60 points then! You'll need the funds to relocate anyway.